Which sensor mode is an infrared (IR) sensor that can observe artificial and natural light in black and white?

• A. SWIR
• B. NIR
• C. VIS
• D. LWIR

Answer: (A)

Infrared imaging in the short-wave infrared range (about 1–3 micrometers) is designed to detect reflected infrared light rather than heat. In this band, scenes can be illuminated by both natural daylight and artificial infrared sources, and the camera typically outputs a grayscale image because it’s capturing a single infrared reflectance channel rather than visible color. This makes SWIR the mode that best matches observing artificial and natural light in black and white.

In contrast, visible imaging uses wavelengths we see with our eyes, so it isn’t infrared; long-wave infrared focuses on thermal emission (temperature differences) rather than reflected light; and near-infrared sits closer to visible and isn’t the standard description for a mode that emphasizes black-and-white IR observation across both natural and artificial illumination.